Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal had exhibited unparalleled valour and exceptional leadership qualities in various operations resulting in elimination of five terrorists and recovery of 200 Kilograms of explosive material. On 17 February 2019, when input of presence of terrorist group in a village was received, the officer planned a Battalion level operation. During search, officer was fired upon by terrorist hiding in a cow shed resulting in multiple gunshot injuries to him. Despite being severely injured, officer maintained his tactical composure and retaliated terrorist fire. Exhibiting utter disregard to his personal safety, officer crawled closer to cow shed in line of fire to bring down effective fire on hiding terrorists. Subsequently, when terrorists moved out of the cow shed firing indiscriminately, the officer fired on fleeing terrorists facilitating in elimination of one terrorist. Officer succumbed to his injuries at operation site while fighting with terrorists. Terrorist eliminated was identified a foreign terrorist of category, responsible for IED attack on security forces.
For displaying conspicuous bravery and unparalleled courage resulting in elimination of one terrorist Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal is recommended for the award of “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
